“That sounds miserable. I would feel bad for you, but then I remember how much my feet hurt—and I’m wearing appropriate shoes.”
Mia steps around me with ease. “Well, how about I make it up to you by helping you cover the bar.” Mia points to the other side. “Loverboy’s here to see you.”
Spinning slowly, I find Beck sitting on a stool with those freaking slutty glasses on his face and a Blues ball cap. Offseason Beck is just next level hot, it’s ridiculous.
He sends me a flirty wave as I make my way over to him. “Hi, roomie, miss me today?”
Yes, and no. I tried my absolute damndest to not think about him at all actually. I lucked out by missing him on my way to work. Dottie was the only one to greet me when I got back from the nail salon, and rather than texting, Beck left a note on the counter to let me know he was going to meet up with Adam and Will.
“I didn’t realize ring shopping was such a huge group decision.”
“I inserted myself.” Beck shrugs.
Of course he did. “How long before Will kicked you out?”
“About half an hour. I took Adam and Lucie down with me too. Will was overthinking it, fifteen minutes later and the decision was made. It had to be done.”
Ihumpha bit of a laugh. I can see it all playing out now, Beck pestering the shit out of Will until he breaks. It doesn’t surprise me at all that Beck knew that was what he needed. Anyone couldsay whatever they wanted about Beck, but a bad friend is a straight lie.
To prove my point even more, a small s’mores power bar slides across the bar. “I got you that and…” He sets a Red Bull and a bottle of water in front of him. “Lucie said I wasn’t allowed to give you the energy drink until you finished the water, but I’m here to enable you.” Beck slides my lifeline in a pink can across the bar top then follows it up with the water. “Just drink this at some point to appease her.”
“I make no promises.” Grabbing the can, I crack it open and take a huge gulp.
“Is it just me or are there a shit ton of guys in suits here tonight? Is it some fraternity reunion or something?”
I nearly spit out the drink, but force it down in a way that burns in my chest. “Not too far off. Our best guess has been a finance convention or some shit, but I like your reunion take. They’re all ordering fucking Manhattans, then being real dicks about reminding me to stir it.”
“The fuck they are,” Beck growls.
I wave him off. “It’s fine, I’ve had worse nights, it’s just me and half of Mia manning the bar tonight that’s all.”
“Want some help?”
I quirk an eyebrow, but don’t get a chance to respond with Mia coming up. “Okay, so sorry, but that’s all of a break I can give you tonight. I’ve got someone demanding to speak to a manager, and Alex upstairs is crying over a broken glass.”
My eyes nearly roll out of my head. “She breaks a glass every time she gets behind the bar. I swear, she does it on purpose.”
Mia shakes her head. “I know, but we had no choice. Someone has to be back there. I’ll come back down here when I can.”
“I can help Jensen down here,” Beck says, causing Mia and myself to whip our heads to him.
“Beck, you don’t work here.” I get he likes to be helpful, but the offer is kind of ridiculous.
“So?” He shrugs. “I know how to make a drink, and I take directionsreallywell.” He winks at me, and I can’t decide if I want to punch him for doing it in front of Mia or blush.
Mia looks back and forth between me and Beck before biting back a smile. “You know, it would be absolutely insane for you to come back here and help Jensen. As the owner…I couldn’t condone such a thing.” Mia’s tone turns a bit mischievous. “But you know, I am needed upstairs, so I won’t be able to see this bar down here.”
“Mia, you’re not serious.”
She scoffs while Beck beams. She takes a step back with her hands up. “I’m not saying he should be back bar, but I’m going upstairs. Also note, that I will not be paying someone I don’t see working, and MLB bucks are expected to cover any unforeseen liabilities.”
I open my mouth to argue with her, but she waves.
“Bye, good luck.”
Beck doesn’t waste a second, he’s up from his seat and sliding under the gap to get behind the bar. “Put me to work, Jenni-cakes.”
“You’ve lost your fucking mind. You know that right? This”—I point between us—“this is nuts. You can’t be back here.”
